destine

verb

des·​tine ˈde-stən 

destined; destining

transitive verb

1

: to decree beforehand : predetermine

was not destined to attain the throne

2

a

: to designate, assign, or dedicate in advance

believed their child was destined for high office

destined to succeed

a flaw that destines them to fail

b

: to direct, devise, or set apart for a specific purpose or place

freight destined for European ports

Synonyms of destine

• doom
• ordain
• fate

Examples of destine in a Sentence

his extreme height seemed to destine him for a career in basketball

Recent Examples on the Web

With the Mavericks seemingly destined for the NBA draft lottery, the veteran sharpshooter had the chance to request a buyout before the league’s playoff eligibility waiver deadline. —Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026

Joan undergoes the procedure and wakes up a beautiful blonde destined for the crown, but at what cost? —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026

Now the big five looks like it’s destined to become the big four, including Universal and Sony, and the business of Hollywood moviemaking is once again in a time of profound transition. —Lindsey Bahr, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026

Pull a hot air balloon, and you’re destined to live a life of adventure and travel. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French destiner, from Latin destinare, from de- + -stinare (akin to Latin stare to stand) — more at stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for destine

• clandestine
• intestine
• progestin

Kids Definition

destine

verb

des·​tine ˈdes-tən 

destined; destining

1

: to settle in advance

a plan destined to fail

2

: to choose, assign, or dedicate in advance

destined their child for the study of law

3

: to be bound or directed

a ship destined for New York